2 Tricked Immigrants, Police Say Men From West Volusia Charged With Extortion

June 4, 1986

PIERSON — Two west Volusia County men posing as U.S. border patrol agents were charged Tuesday with taking money from illegal immigrants in exchange for not arresting them.

Pierson Police Chief George Leary said the two men told immigrants that they were agents and demanded identification papers. If they failed to produce the papers, the men offered to keep them out of jail if they would pay $25, Leary said.

Only two cases have been confirmed, Leary said, although an investigation is continuing. Up to six more charges are expected to be filed today, he added. Names of the victims are being withheld until the investigation is completed.

Pierson has a large number of immigrants who come to work in ferneries and farms. Leary said not all of the workers contacted by the men were in the country illegally.

Arrested were David Parrott, 32, Landmark Hotel, DeLand, and David Clifton, 28, 5430 Park Ave., DeLeon Springs. Each is charged with two counts of extortion. Parrott is also charged with one count of burglary because according to police, he entered a person's home to demand money. His bail is $15,000. Bail for Clifton is $10,000. The two are being held in the Volusia County jail.